Jewish Observance Under Threat In Canada Again As Country Continues Ban on Commercial Imports of Lulavim, Hadassim, and Aravos

by Monsey.info

Jewish observance of Sukkos is again under threat in Canada after the CFIA, the country’s government agency tasked with regulating the import of plants, continues its ban the commercial import of Lulavim, Hadassim and Aravos.

The directive from the CFIA, published in October of 2020, outlines the requirements from the country that only Lulavim for personal use may be brought in to the country.

“For ceremonial or religious use during the holiday of Sukkot. Lulavs are for personal use only and must accompany the traveler at the time of entry into Canada,” the directive clearly states. “Commercial imports are not permitted.”

The CFIA further goes on to limit the amount of time prior to Sukkot you can bring in the Lulav, writing “The authorized period for import is 3 days prior to the beginning of Sukkot through to 8 days following the end of the holiday.”

With that narrow span of time, the only apparent way for the Jewish people of Canada to properly celebrate the holiday is to drive across the border within the three days of Yom Tov and purchase the items in the United States.